FAQ
1. How to choose the best company in this field?
Pay attention to the narrow specialization of the enterprise. Companies that have been dealing exclusively with lightning protection for years (like RAIDEN or El-Strim) often have a better technical base. Be sure to ask about the experience of engineers, the availability of certified measuring instruments, and warranty obligations (they should range from 5 to 30 years).
2. What to pay attention to before ordering?
Before ordering, find out whether the estimate includes both external (lightning rods, down conductors) and internal protection (surge arresters SPDs). Also, clarify whether the technology of modular deep grounding without welding is used, which is much more resistant to corrosion in aggressive soils.
3. What are the signs of a reliable company?
A reliable contractor always offers a free visit by an engineer to assess risks. They provide a detailed estimate (sometimes in several budget options), use certified materials, work under an official contract, and complete the work by issuing a technical passport with the results of instrumental resistance measurements.
4. Why is it important to check the reputation and look at the portfolio?
Each facility is unique. If a company only has experience with small cottages, it will be difficult for them to properly design a system for a complex logistics center or a solar power plant, where electromagnetic induction and equipotential bonding must be taken into account. Real cases confirm the contractor’s competence.
5. What mistakes do clients make most often?
The biggest mistake is saving on design work. A template approach often leads to the system not coordinating with other building communications. Another common mistake is ignoring annual technical maintenance (especially before the thunderstorm season), due to which corrosion or broken contacts can reduce the effectiveness of protection to nothing.
6. Is it necessary to separately ground a metal fence?
Yes. Metal fences, especially those with built-in electronics or lighting, must be combined into a single loop and connected to the general protective grounding of the facility. This will protect the system from voltage surges and guarantee safety in case of wiring insulation damage.
7. How is the depth and type of grounding calculated?
This depends on the soil resistivity. To achieve the norm of up to 4 Ohms in black soil, 6 meters of rods might be enough, in clay — 9 meters, in loam — 15 meters, and in sand, a kit of up to 30 meters will be needed. Resistance measurement with a megohmmeter is carried out after each driven modular rod.
8. What is a “no wires on the facade” system?
This is an innovative installation method used at the construction stage of a facility (for example, when arranging modern curtain walls or specific roof overhang soffits). Down conductors are hidden in the building’s structure, which preserves the aesthetic appearance of the facade and can reduce total installation costs by 20-30%.